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 About the ALS Clinic
Clinic Facts
Multidisciplinary Team Members
Scheduling of the Clinic
Location
For More Information
Clinic Facts:
- The ALS Clinic at WFUBMC was established in March of 1998 and was the first of its kind in the state.The clinic was established to offer patients a comprehensive team approach to treating ALS.
- The clinic utilizes a multidisciplinary team composed of physicians, nurses and therapists to evaluate and treat patients with ALS.
- Our goal is to maximize patient function and quality of life by offering specialized services to patients diagnosed with ALS.
- During a clinic visit, patients are evaluated by a neurologist and a nurse clinician and they participate in therapies specific to their needs. The therapists and nurse clinicians carefully plan each patient's care prior to each clinic.
- To help patients obtain equipment not covered by insurance, the clinic houses a loan closet. Currently available are walkers, feeders, bath and shower aids, lifts and a variety of other devices for loan to patients attending clinic.
- Present at each clinic is a member of the local support group. Her presence gives patients and their family members an opportunity to take an informative refreshment break and socialize with other ALS patients.
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Multidisciplinary Team Members:
- Neurologist: The physician who provides an overall plan of care for the ALS patient and who evaluates the patient's neurologic function, prescribes any necessary medications, and monitors the course of the disease.
- Nurse Clinician: A registered nurse who assesses patient needs prior to clinic visits and coordinates patient care with appropriate therapists. Nurse clinicians oversee and help direct all research studies and provide education and nursing support to ALS patients and families.
- Clinic Coordinator: The clinic coordinator arranges all appointments with patients and several days before each clinic sends each patient a schedule of times to meet with physicians, therapists and other medical professionals. The clinic coordinator initiates the movement of patients from one therapist to another during clinic. The clinic coordinator arranges all necessary follow-up tests. We encourage you to contact the clinic coordinator, Renee Harding at 336-716-2309 with any questions regarding scheduling or travel directions.
- Physical Therapist: Physical therapists assist people with ALS in maintaining and building muscle strength by providing exercise programs and assistive devices to optimize function and level of independence.
- Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapy helps people maintain their independence with feeding, dressing, bathing, and work performance through adaptive equipment and energy conservation.
- Speech Therapist: A speech pathologist evaluates a patient's speech and swallowing capabilities. Patients with speech problems may be trained to use alternative equipment for communication. If a patient is having difficulty swallowing, a speech therapist may recommend a barium swallow, which analyzes a patient's swallowing function.
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An occupational therapist can provide
assistive devices, such as specially
designed eating utensils, to help maintain a patient's independence.
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A social worker reviews documents with a patient.
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- Social Worker: The ALS social worker provides a complete psychosocial assessment, individual and family counseling, and stress management. Community resources such as social security, medicare, medicaid, home health, hospice, support groups, and durable medical equipment are also discussed. The social worker can provide emotional support outside the clinic and can assist in the preparation of advanced directives.
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- Nutritionist: A nutritionist will analyze a patient's daily caloric intake and investigate any eating and swallowing difficulties. Special diets and nutritional supplements will be recommended if necessary.
- Assistive Technology Consultant: This consultant is available at the ALS Clinic to assess patients' needs for assistive devices. Equipment is available to help patients obtain a maximum level of independence at home. For example: environmental controls, telephone access, recreation, augmentative communication, and computers.
- Chaplain: During each ALS clinic, the chaplain converses with patients and family members during meal times and in the resource room. The chaplain also attends monthly meetings of the local ALS support group and is familiar with patients and their spiritual needs. He is also available at clinic for scheduled sessions at the request of the patient.
- Respiratory Therapist: The respiratory therapist assesses respiratory status for all patients during clinic and educates patients and families on the use of non-invasive and invasive ventilatory support. In addition to being present at clinic, the respiratory therapist is also available for consultation between clinic visits and can perform home visits if necessary. Back to Top
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Scheduling of the Clinic: ALS Clinic is held once a month. Generally, ALS patients are scheduled for a clinic visit every three months. Patients are notified in advance of their appointment times with the neurologist, nurse clinician and therapists.
Location: Clinic is held in the CompRehab Plaza Building, which is located at 131 Miller Street in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Traveling I-40 (east or west) take I-40 Business and exit on Cloverdale Avenue. Turn Right on Cloverdale and travel to the intersection of Cloverdale Avenue and Miller Street. Turn right on Miller Street; CompRehab Plaza is on the right.
For more information:
To learn more about the ALS Clinic or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
Renee Harding, Clinic Coordinator, Neurology Department
WFU School of Medicine
Medical Center Blvd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Telephone: (336) 716-2309; E-mail: eharding@wfubmc You may also contact the Nurse Clinician:
Theresa Johnston-Crews, RN, MSN. Telephone: (336) 716-2323. E-mail: tjcrews@wfubmc.edu
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